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Compare Enalapril vs. Monopril

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Enalapril (Vasotec) and Fosinopril (Monopril) are both ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Enalapril can be taken by children as young as 1 month old, while Fosinopril is only for children who weigh more than 50 kg (110 lbs). Both Enalapril and Fosinopril are typically taken once or twice daily. Both medications can cause a dry cough. Enalapril is available in a liquid form for those who have trouble swallowing pills, while Fosinopril does not have this option. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy and can cause serious side effects like angioedema and high potassium levels. However, Fosinopril is noted to be more expensive without insurance compared to other ACE inhibitors, including Enalapril.

  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Fosinopril
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    Fosinopril

  • Summary of Enalapril vs. Monopril

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Enalapril (Vasotec) is a first-choice medication used for treating high blood pressure. It's also approved for heart failure. Enalapril (Vasotec) belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth, once or twice daily. Enalapril (Vasotec) doesn't cause many side effects, but some include tiredness, dizziness, and cough.

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Fosinopril sodium (Monopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also treat heart failure. Fosinopril comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. Most people don't experience any side effects from fosinopril. But people who did reported cough and dizziness. Though rare, fosinopril and other ACEI inhibitors can cause angioedema, which can be serious. Brand name Monopril has been discontinued; fosinopril is only available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Enalapril vs. Monopril

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)

  • Pros and Cons of Enalapril vs. Monopril

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure lowering medication for many people
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken by children as young as 1 month old (high blood pressure only)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    •Can't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in black people
    •Need to take twice daily for heart failure
    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause a cough that might not go away until you stop the medication
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in Black adults

  • Common Side Effects of Enalapril vs. Monopril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    Common Side Effects for

    For the treatment of high blood pressure

    •Cough (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (1%)

    For the treatment of heart failure

    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Cough (10%)
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Muscle pain (3%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Chest pain (2%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)

  • Warnings of Enalapril vs. Monopril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Enalapril vs. Monopril

    Learn more about Enalapril
    Learn more about Fosinopril

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